Nattia

Nattia's major introduction. "A slender red-headed force of nature in Vanador, back in her native land in command of a squadron of giant hawks." Kasari-raised, apprenticed to a falconer whose services Minalan purchased. Best friends with Dara until Dara publicly humiliated Gareth; Nattia took "great offense, withdrew her wing to Timberwatch, and eventually accepted Gareth's invitation to become Sky Captain of the Vanador Mewstower."

"She may have been just over five feet tall, but among all my military staff Nattia was as spirited a warrior as any in Vanador." Not a mage herself. "Until someone took issue with Gareth. Then she was on their throat like a rabid wolverine." Runs the Mews, trains and expands her Wing from six to nine-plus giant hawks. At the Battle of Gaja Katar:

Nattia's Wing had arrived, as summoned. They were at least as impressive as a company of charging knights.

Sky Riders drop "skybolts, thaumaturgic orbs and small constructs down at the attackers. A line of explosive fire erupted at the base of the fortress as dozens fell to steel and enchantment." She is awarded a palatinate charter for the Sky Riders of Vanador. Arborn (senior Kasari captain of the Magelaw) formally recognizes her Kasari star-hanging rank:

I have had the honor of hanging my star, Captain Arborn. I would have pursued the life oath, had I not taken up falconry.

Nattia commands her Wing at the Battle of Megelin against Shakathet and, later, runs her squadron through the Magelaw campaign. Her wing is "three squadrons of more than a dozen birds in fighting shape. A fourth squadron was just beginning training." When the Sevendor and Vanador Mewstowers bunk together, a legendary brawl erupts between her Riders and Dara's; Minalan breaks it up with a thunderclap of his baculus. "Nattia's Riders are described as more uniform, more disciplined, than Dara's." Forced to reconcile with Dara before war orders come down.

Core member of the Anghysbel expedition, officially introduced at the Kilnusk court as "Sky Captain Nattia of the Vanador Mewstower." Reunited with her long-lost brother Travid at the Melleray Kasari camp (he had exiled himself rather than learn magic when his windmaster rajira arose). Rides her giant hawk throughout the expedition: the hawks still function in Anghysbel because the jevolar dampens native magic but the transgenic enhancement persists. Provides aerial reconnaissance and evacuation cover. Her romance with Gareth (the Lord Steward of Vanador) deepens despite Travid's disapproval. Minalan says:

Just like Tyndal and Tandine. Just like Gareth and Nattia.

Nattia returns from Anghysbel with Lady Ithalia and Tyndal to great public acclaim. "Lady Ithalia and Nattia the Sky Captain had returned with him, and they made a great show of flying their giant birds under the Overhang." Attends the post-expedition feast, where the Mews captains spar verbally: "When they do, it is noteworthy. Formations have a role in sky combat. They serve many different functions. Being able to perform them denotes discipline in your Riders. And it terrifies your enemies," she says, pointedly, of Ithalia's new and less-disciplined Mews. Openly jealous of Ithalia's encroachment on Sky Rider territory.

Minalan's trusted emissary and courier during the Mad Mage period. "Thank you, too, for enlisting Sky Captain Nattia as your emissary to Anghysbel and my office, here. She has been a great comfort and incredibly useful in the preparations we make." Delivers messages between Gareth in Anghysbel and the Spellmonger. Her romance with Gareth continues; she is pursuing the Kasari marriage rites with him through Travid's training.

Gets her own POV chapter ("A Message To The Spellmonger"). Her bird Friendly lets her fly for fun under Vanador's Overhang. Visits Banamor, delivers Gareth's letter to Minalan, and acts as secret courier between Minalan and the Contramara. Also delivers Lady Tandine's letter to Tyndal at his Callierd keep: "He was quite pleased to hear from Lady Tandine."

Supports the Darkfaller raid: flies reconnaissance over Trimony, the town near Darkfaller garrisoning about a thousand Enshadowed and gurvani. Admires Terleman as one of the few land-bound commanders who truly understands Sky Rider capabilities. Continues her betrothal with Gareth; Travid has her approving a drill schedule for Gareth's Kasari training.

Continues as Sky Captain and sister of Travid. Lead role at the Olum Seheri final push ("Where is Nattia's base?" Dara asks, "The north side of the island"). Dara and Nattia have reconciled enough to coordinate tactics. Gareth (via mind-to-mind) learns of events in the Magelaw from her. When her brother Travid experiences rajira onset upon coming through the evacuation portal, Nattia is visibly pleased.

Her wedding with Gareth looms. Minalan teases Gareth about cold feet. Gareth's transformation into a proper Kasari-style man through Travid's tutelage is credited entirely to his love for Nattia:

After a full year spent without magic, Gareth had filled out considerably. He had actual muscles, now.

Dara's lingering pain at his engagement is referenced: Alya observes, "I would guess that it's his impending nuptials with Nattia that are more motivating for Dara, poor girl. That's what is really driving her mad." Nattia accompanies Gareth to Farise and expected Minalan "to take Farise with a magical army."